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Faculty & Staff

GarethWentzel

Gareth Wentzel

Gareth Wentzel moved to Calgary from South Africa with his wife and young son in July 2018, and began teaching as a Sessional Instructor in the School of Communications Studies at Mount Royal University in September of the same year. In July 2019 Gareth was brought on as an Assistant Professor to teach in the Broadcast Media and Journalism programs. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture majoring in Screenwriting and Directing from AFDA (Africa's only Oscar winning film school), and his Master of Arts in Film and Television from the University of the Witwatersrand, with his thesis focusing on the evolution of the Slasher film. He also holds a Diploma in Sound Engineering for Film, Television and Video production, as well as ProTools Audio and DaVinci Resolve Color Grading software certifications.

Gareth has an extensive background in film, television, video production and undergraduate education. His short films have and are being shown on television and at various film festivals across the world, and he has been the creative lead on projects for clients such as The United Nations Population Fund. He is an expert in using narrative structure, directing, technology and workflow optimization to facilitate creative vision and build audience engagement. Prior to joining Mount Royal University, Gareth taught at City Varsity Johannesburg in South Africa and helped develop their Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Television. He also taught at AFDA Johannesburg for just over 3 years and creatively supervised the creation of roughly 120 student short film productions every year.

Professional Achievements

Honours / Awards

  • "The Teddy Bear Man " Written and Directed by Gareth Wentzel officially selected for and screened at the Art is Alive Film Festival - San Antonio on 27 December 2018.
  • "Die Laughing" Written and Directed by Gareth Wentzel officially selected and shown at the second annual Jozi Film Festival. (15-17 February 2013).
  • "Amazing Grace" Written and Directed by Gareth Wentzel broadcast on Mzansi Magic channel 107 on DSTV in South Africa during July 2012.

Teaching Experience

  • Introduction to Communication Studies
  • Media History and Contemporary Issues
  • Screenwriting for the Short Film
  • Directing for the Short Film
  • Video Editing